Just 15 minutes by boat from the epicenter of the Haad Rin party on Koh Phangan Island, the Thailand Shrine is the perfect place to escape, detox and relax with the healthiest food you’ll find on the Thai islands!
Boutique resort, healing center, holistic epicenter – the Sanctuary can be whatever you want it to be. From cleansing programs for those who watched too many full moon parties on Koh Phangan to yoga and spa treatments, you will find a multitude of disciplines to improve your health and life.
Alternatively, you can sit on the beach with a drink in hand and enjoy meeting friendly people from all over the world; You will never be pressured to participate in the health workshops. The sanctuary’s appeal is the unpretentiousness found in other holistic retreats.
What to Expect at the Thailand Shrine
First, don’t think for a minute that you’ll be stuck in an isolated part of the island with a bunch of ‘healthy nuts’ – alcohol and cigarettes are sold over the same counter as organic juices! Part of the Sanctuary’s claim to fame is that you can choose your level of participation. From serious cleaning and fasting programs to yoga or just enjoying the beautiful gardens and chatting, you will easily meet friendly people who have come for many different reasons.
Simply put, the sanctuary is huge. You will find an extensive complex of accommodation, meeting areas, workshops and a beach. From cheap dorms to family-size homes, the wide range of accommodations attracts people from all walks of life, including backpackers, families, and luxury travelers.
The Santuario beach is thick but suitable enough for sunbathing and swimming.
Workshops and activities
You will never be pressured to attend any class, program or workshop at the Thailand Shrine. Simply upload or schedule the class, provide your account number, and participate whenever you want.
Some of the classes and disciplines available are:
- Three-day and seven-day fasting / cleansing programs
- Many types of massage
- Many varieties of yoga
- Tai chi and qi gong
- Reiki
- Natural medicine and healers
- Pilates
- Meditation (free in the afternoons)
- Complete spa treatments
- Weight loss programs
The workshops are held in beautiful houses with names like ‘The Tea Temple’ and ‘Zen Hall’. When workshops are not in progress, you can hang out at the houses to meet people with the same interests.
Yoga typically costs $ 10 per 90-minute session , however you can save money by purchasing seven sessions in advance.
Food at the sanctuary
Although a bit pricey by Thai standards, the pleasant restaurant at the Sanctuary overlooks the beach and is known for good reason: the vegetarian food and seafood are simply some of the best you’ll find in Thailand.
Alternatively, you can eat at the Spice restaurant located on the Sanctuary grounds. The food and the atmosphere are amazing. Unlike the main restaurant, you will have to pay cash at Spice.
Don’t expect to be very nocturnal while staying at the Sanctuary! The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. M. And the bar closes at 11 p.m. M., Although people often stay up later to socialize.
accommodation
The Sanctuary of Thailand has a wide range of accommodations that span different levels of comfort and budgets. The cheapest option is to stay in the very basic dorm (220 baht) which consists of an open area with mattresses on the floor, each covered with a mosquito net. Rooms are available in zorba houses for 350 baht. Larger and more luxurious bungalows and houses are available for families and travelers on higher budgets.
El Santuario does not offer advance reservations for the bedrooms and bungalows , only the houses. You need to call ahead or just show up and take advantage of your possibilities.
Alternatively, you can stay at one of the other cheap bungalow operations on the bay or at Haad Yuan, the bay adjacent to Haad Tien.
Tips for the Thailand shrine
- You will not find an ATM in the sanctuary. You can join one of the many daily boats back to Haad Rin, which usually consists of people earning money to settle their accounts; However, keep in mind that the race will cost you 400 baht round trip plus the usual 150 baht ATM fee in Thailand.
- The Sanctuary does not accept credit card payments. Plan to bring lots of cash!
- Internet access is available in the internet cafe for 3 baht per minute and the Wi-Fi connection paid by 24-hour code tickets works well in the restaurant and even in most rooms.
- Mosquitoes are a real nuisance on the Sanctuary grounds and dengue fever is a real threat. The administration even has to fog up with pesticides on Saturdays. Bring lots of spray, coils, and learn how to avoid mosquito bites during your stay.
- A small family shop on the Sanctuary grounds sells snacks, cigarettes, toiletries, and washes clothes. Due to the need to bring everything by boat, the prices are higher than what you will see in Haad Rin; bring what you need with you.
- The Sanctuary grounds can be a confusing tangle of lodging and dark paths. Bring a flashlight to get home after dark.
- Even if you don’t want to attend, the monthly full moon parties in Haad Rin will affect accommodation and transportation throughout the island during the days before and after the party. Check dates for the full moon party.
How to get to the shrine in Koh Phangan
The sanctuary is located in Haad Tien Bay, on the island of Koh Phangan, in the Gulf of Thailand, just one hour from Koh Samui and two hours from Koh Tao. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui.
If you are flying to Koh Samui, take a 15-minute taxi to Big Buddha Pier and then take the ferry to Koh Phangan. You’ll arrive at the Haad Rin sunset beachside. Take the 10-minute walk or get transportation to the sunrise beach, site of the infamous monthly full moon party, and then take any of the waiting taxi boats; The boatmen will probably approach you right away!
A taxi from Haad Rin to Haad Tien Bay Shrine takes about 15 minutes and costs 200 baht. Your ship can wait for other passengers before departing.
Contacting the Thailand Shrine
Telephone (9 am to 6 pm): +66 081 2713614
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.thesanctuarythailand.com
